ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area My Electrician's Tools

I always bought two of each, and had a spare set just in case, and once when they were stolen, I used them -- that was a long time ago!

What are your favorite tools?

I also have a second set of tools. Klein 10in1 screwdriver, Klein Kurve strippers, Journeyman's linemans pliers and angle head dikes(the hardened ones)can wrench, long nose pliers, 6IN pump pliers and 6IN adjustable wrench-all in a Klein Powerline rig. I would have to say the Klein Kurve strippers are the best addition to my set in the last year or so. The curved cutting blades hold wire in the middle of where they cut and the screw cutting dies come in handy. They are extremely comfortable to use. I used to wear out 4 pair of T-strippers a year but the curves seem to be holding up better. I love the Journeyman's tools too. My wife bought them for me last fall.

Looks familiar Joe,

How many here use the 2nd tool from the left?
It seems that the average person doesn't know what that one is.

Under some circumstances it can be one of my favorites.


Bill

Most of my hand tools are Klien with a few Ideal things thrown in too. I also have 2 sets, one stays in my Trooper and one on a service truck, so I can go do a trouble shoot or simple job without moving all my tools from one truck to the other. I learned this the hard way after getting to a big job and realising that all my tools were in my Trooper rather than the truck. I sheepishly had to borrow tools from one of my helpers.

The one simple new-tech doodad I like is a non-contact AC voltage tester.

My favorite tool in my bag is my mini breakaway razor knife. I cant make up without it. I got use to using one kind made by Stanley in the early 90's and it finally wore out and was out of production. I even emailed Stanley to see if I could get another one like it. I searched for a year trying to find a new knife that suited me. Once I found it, I bought a case of them.

I also like the fluke non contact test light. Give them to all my employees (along with a mini razor knife).

[This message has been edited by arseegee (edited 06-25-2002).]

Bill... Ah yes, the Vaco "grabber"... I keep one in my pouch.

You bet I use the "grabber", helps to get in where the fingers can't. I too use klein tools, can't be beat. i don't let anyone else use them. Have some other brand stuff to loan to others.

I think that's a screw-starter


Bill

I am not an electrician, but when we had one come out to do some work ( and a great job at that! ), I was fascinated by the "crank" screwdriver by Klein. It had an offset shaft that rotated in the handle. This tool is the ideal alternative to a normal screwdriver and a power screwdriver/drill. A regular screwdriver just gets tiresome after a while, while a powerscrewdriver/drill can strip out the hole ( not to mention running out of juice when you are ALMOST finished ). It makes short work of installing or removing switches and outlets and covers. I went out the next day and bought two ( phillips and blade ).

670-6 Klein Rapi-Driv Slotted, Cushion-Grip Screwdriver ( availabe in Phillips as well ).